10 Surprising Ways You’re Weakening Your Immune System

Carrying Negative Emotions

Negative emotions, such as stress, sadness, fear, anger and worry, wear down your immune system.When you are under stress, the cortisol level increases in the body. Cortisol alters immune system responses as well as suppresses the digestive system, the reproductive system and growth processes.In addition, a high cortisol level reduces the production of ‘good’ prostaglandins that support immune function.It has been found that chronic stress even makes you more susceptible to colds and the flu, as well as more serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes and other diseases.To reduce stress, practice yoga, meditation, massage, aromatherapy and laughter.In fact, laughter is a good medicine to fight stress as well as other negative emotions. A 2001 study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine shows that laughing has a positive effect on the immune system that lasts for as long as 12 hours.